Boston Flora

Tag: art class

  • Wednesday, April 24, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm – Nature Mandala: Day’s Eye

    Local artist Beth Adoette is coming to Blithewold to share her unique practice of partnering with nature in a monthly workshop series. This workshop offers people the opportunity to unplug and be in the moment while exploring beautiful objects of nature. Please note that nature mandalas are ephemeral and will not be taken home. Photographs are encouraged. High-resolution, edited photographs can be ordered separately at the workshop for an additional fee.  $40 for Blithewold members, $45 for nonmembers.

    Hundreds of years ago, the daisy was called “day’s eye” in England, and “the eye of the day” in Wales. These lovely names are derived from the way this flower it opens its petals in the morning in the east, turns to follow the sun’s path, closes back up at night, and in the night turns towards the east again in anticipation of the sun. In this April 24 workshop, we take our cue from this humble yet wise flower, as we try to identify our objectives and create a nature mandala to act as a beautiful and practical reminder of our daily intentions. Register at https://www.blithewold.org/event/nature-mandala-series-with-beth-adoette-2/

  • Saturday, April 13. 10:00 am – 1:00 pm – Decoupage Workshop

    In this hands-on Berkshire Botanical Garden workshop on Saturday, April 13 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., taught by Marsha Edell, participants will learn the steps for creating four unique, waterproof, botanical-themed, ceramic tile coasters. The focus will be on creating four-by-four-inch, cork-backed coasters which will be completed and ready to take home at the end of the class. Supplies will be provided but feel free to bring in any decorative papers: garden-themed or abstract. Bring your own fabric, which can be treated and used on the coasters in the workshop.

    Marsha Edell is a licensed clinical social worker and a long time craftsperson. She is a firm believer in the power of creativity for tapping into a sense of well-being and stress reduction. BBG members $90, nonmembers $110. Register at https://www.berkshirebotanical.org/events/decoupage-workshop

  • Monday, March 18, Wednesday, March 20, & Friday, March 22, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm Eastern – Botanical Beachcombing: Signs of Spring, Online

    In early spring, as the snow begins to melt away, the days begin to get longer. Along the edges of the beach and in the habitat that surrounds it, buds are beginning to swell, fresh shoots are emerging, and the birds are chirping. There is an energy in the air and an excitement for warmer days ahead and the promise of spring.

    With Sarah Roche as your guide, record the changing seasons as you botanically beachcomb, drawing the treasures and detritus that wash up along the shoreline and the evidence of last year’s flora that hints at the possibilities of this new season.
    This three part Massachusetts Horticultural Society class will take place online on March 18, 20, and 22 from 10 – 1. $225 for Mass Hort members, $275 for nonmembers.

    Prerequisite(s): Suitable for intermediate or advanced artists who have completed at least one “Techniques of Botanical Drawing & Painting” class, or equivalent.  

  • Wednesday, December 6 – Friday, December 8, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm – The Language of Flowers on Vellum

    All flowers hold different meanings, often based on the flower type, the time of year in which they bloom, the flower’s color, or all of the above, but the same is true of the story that makes them so meaningful to us. This Berkshire Botanical Garden workshop, held December 6 through December 8, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., will work with seasonal plants such as tree nuts, winter berries, or mushrooms; since our substrate will be vellum (calf skin), our subjects need to be small. Dry brush is a watercolor painting technique used in traditional botanical illustration. The method involves a “skin” of dried paint on the palette and a small, slightly damp brush. We will also create botanical tints for the base layer, generating shape by adding a luminous shadow. Students will receive a photograph and an outline of the seasonal flora. This workshop will meet for three consecutive days, for five hours each session.

    Anastasia Traina, is a writer and botanical artist. Her illustrations were published in the children’s book, BITSY and RAFF written by David Caudle, highlighting the power of friendship and inclusion. She is a member of the American Society of Botanical Art, the Tri-State Botanical Artists of NYBG, the Writer’s Guild of America and the Dramatists Guild of America. Her most recent exhibition, “Alchemy and Innocents” was on display at the BBG’s Leonhardt Galleries in 2023. Commissioned for the Berkshire Botanical Garden to create Lucy’s Garden, featuring topiary animals and other ‘live’ structures on paper. Donated by Lucy and Nat Day. $245 for BBG members, $265 for nonmembers. Register at https://www.berkshirebotanical.org/events/language-flowers-vellum

  • Saturday, November 18, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm – Rock Mosaics in the Garden

    Led by artist/educator Beth Klingher, students in this Berkshire Botanical Garden class on November 18 will create an outdoor rock mosaic to brighten their garden, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Learn how to cut glass, ceramic and other materials and to adhere them to a large garden rock or cement block using colored thin set cement. Your mosaic may represent a flower, a plant, a tiny animal, or an abstract design. These rock mosaics will weather the New England winters and provide a colorful spark for your garden regardless of the season. Bring your own rocks!

    Beth Klingher is an educator and an artist. Her primary medium is mixed-media art using mosaic glass, ceramic and stone. Her work includes both realistic and abstract art, with emphasis on natural landscapes. She has also completed a number of large-scale murals at hospitals, schools and with community groups. She works with schools all over the Northeast to integrate art into their curriculum. Beth’s studio and home are located in New Haven, CT. $75 for BBG members, $100 for nonmembers. Register at https://www.berkshirebotanical.org/events/rock-mosaics-garden-0

    2019 10″ x 10″ SOLD Broken Pottery, Mexican Smalti, Stone

  • Friday, October 20, 10:30 am – 1:00 pm – Floral Resin Pendants

    Come learn the basics of UV Resin and make beautiful, trendy, one-of-a-kind pendants with dried flowers and other elements. In this class you will learn how UV Resin works, basic step by step instructions for the best results, and leave with the skills to confidently continue working with resin on your own. You will leave with finished pendants, which can be used for necklaces, jewelry, or keychains. Instructor Linda Snay was born in Connecticut and has always been drawn to the world of art.  She discovered watercolors at a young age and was encouraged by art teachers.  She studied art in college and went on to graduate from Eastern Connecticut State University with a BA, double major in Studio Art and Art History.  After moving to Massachusetts, her career led to positions in education in museums and art centers, and she is currently a teaching artist leading engaging art classes for both children and adults.  She works in various media, including watercolor, acrylic, oil, and pastel.  She is a member of Arts Worcester and participates regularly in exhibitions in Central Massachusetts. NEBG members $60, nonmembers $75, includes admission to the New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill. Register at www.nebg.org

  • Tuesdays, October 3, 10, 17, & 24, 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm – Autumn Watercolor at Garden in the Woods

    How well do you really see, how closely do you really observe the natural world? In order to become more aware of the natural world around us, to slow down and begin to really observe and expand our visual intelligence, we will start to capture those observations with art making. Inspired by the season, through this four-part Native Plant Trust course, students will learn different techniques in painting native plants in watercolor during the beautiful autumn foliage. Please note that students will need to purchase or bring their own watercolor supplies. $180 (NPT members) $216 (nonmembers). Sepi Golestani (below) is the instructor. Register at http://www.nativeplanttrust.org/events/autumn-watercolor-garden-woods/

  • Tuesdays, September 19 – October 24, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm Eastern – History of Botanical Art, Online

    Embark on an historical exploration of botanical art with instructor Giovanni Aloi and New York Botanic Garden on Tuesdays, September 19 – October 24 from 6 – 8 Eastern, online. You’ll trace the globe with author and curator Giovanni Aloi as he uncovers the critical role that botany has played in the advancement of movements, styles, and invention of new media. From Japan’s Edo Period featuring artist Kano Sansetsu’s Old Plum to present day work by visual artist Christi Belcourt inspired by Métis and First Nations beadwork, you’ll review the depiction of plants and flowers found in a variety of influential artworks across time.

    Please note, this course will be facilitated through Canvas, a learning management system that will allow access to course materials, course communication, and links to live Zoom sessions all in one place. Canvas is intuitive to use and complements live sessions with an efficient means to stay in touch with the course in between classes. In case of any issues, 24/7 support will be offered.

    NYGB member price $475, nonmember $525. Register HERE.

    Stilleven met bloemen en vruchten

  • Sundays, September 10 & September 17, 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm Eastern – Turning Flowers into Art, Online

    Explore multiple ways to bring the beauty of dried flowers into your home. In the first New York Botanical Garden online session, you’ll discover tips on which flower types will last the longest, how to gather, press, and preserve them, and when to use which materials, such as glycerin and silica gel. Then, use the flowers you’ve dried to explore making art by painting the flowers to print with, hammering them onto watercolor paper for an embossed look, or pressing them directly on paper. Classes will take place September 10 and 17 from 2 – 4, with instructor Madeline Yanni. NYBG members $90, nonmembers $100. Register at www.nybg.org

    Please note, this course requires the purchase of materials. Please refer to the Materials List linked on the Registration Page for more information.

  • Friday, September 8, 10:30 am – 1:00 pm – Botanical Prints with Gelli Plates

    Create beautiful, original monotype artwork with the Gelli Plate Printing method. No experience necessary. Learn simple techniques to create beautiful nature prints without a press. Explore using flowers, leaves, and other natural elements to make unique impressions and explore additional techniques such as layering, stenciling, and masking. Once prints have dried, enhance prints with drawing, collages, and other media. The possibilities are endless with this fun and simple printmaking method.

    In this playful workshop you will:

    • Learn the basics of Gelli Plate Printing.
    • Techniques to enhance the artwork will be introduced.
    • Leave with several pieces of artwork/papers to be used in endless creative ways!

    Instructor: Linda Snay

    Linda Snay was born in Connecticut and has always been drawn to the world of art.  She discovered watercolors at a young age and was encouraged by art teachers.  She studied art in college and went on to graduate from Eastern Connecticut State University with a BA, double major in Studio Art and Art History.  After moving to Massachusetts, her career led to positions in education in museums and art centers, and she is currently a teaching artist leading engaging art classes for both children and adults.  She works in various media, including watercolor, acrylic, oil, and pastel.  She is a member of Arts Worcester and participates regularly in exhibitions in Central MA.

    This class is sponsored by New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill on September 8 from 10:30 – 1. $50 Member Adult; $65 Adult (includes admission to the Garden) Register HERE.